Protopopovs pop in for free lesson

November 22, 2013

LAKE PLACID - Skating Club of Lake Placid members had the opportunity to skate with Olympic legends Oleg and Ludmila Protopopov on Wednesday at the Olympic Center.

The Protopopovs gave a free lesson to skaters of all ages and levels. The husband-and-wife team taught style and movement to the skaters, focusing on expression and positioning of the body to create an elegant line.

The event showcased the Protopopov's talent, generosity of spirit and love of figure skating.

Article Photos

Oleg and Ludmila Protopopov pose for a photo with Skating Club of Lake Placid members following an instruction session Wednesday at the Olympic Center in Lake Placid.Photo provided

"It was a great lesson, very fun," said Ciana Cerruti, a 14-year-old intermediate competitive skater. "I have Russian coaches, so it was interesting to learn from them (the Protopopovs). They taught me how to be more graceful."

The Protopopovs are figure skating icons. They won Olympic gold in the 1964 and 1968 Games, and created new versions of the death spiral pairs move, the cosmic spiral (backward inside edge), life spiral (forward inside edge) and love spiral (forward outside edge).

The Protopopovs are part-time residents of Lake Placid who also live in Switzerland during the winter months. They first moved to Lake Placid in 1997. It is not uncommon to see them on one of the three rinks in the Olympic Center, either practicing on their own or giving advice to other young skaters.

"For us, it was very interesting to work with the skaters (of) all ages simultaneously: kids, teenagers, adults," said Ludmila Protopopov. "We are sure all skaters will remember our lesson because we explain and show them how figure skating is beautiful."